The Washington Conference

September 18-20, 2017 | Washington, D.C.

Change comes with a new Administration and we as an industry must decide whether we will ignore, resist, or engage with this change. It’s more important than ever for you to be in our nation’s capital to advocate for our fresh produce industry.

One United voice coming together to deliver a determined and clear message to our elected officials and the new administration is essential to navigating the changing political environment.

This year’s United Fresh Washington Conference provides you and your industry colleagues the opportunity to deliver a powerful message to help shape decisions made in Washington that directly impact your business. Don’t leave our industry’s future in someone else’s hands – join us September 18-20 in our nation’s capital!

Kick-off the 2017 Washington Conference in one of the most historic rooms in Washington, DC: the Kennedy Caucus Room. This room has served as the stage for many major Senate committee investigations, including hearings on the Titanic, Pearl Harbor, Watergate, and the Vietnam War. Be a part of the Kennedy Caucus Room’s history as the produce industry comes together to celebrate the Power of Fresh.

The Power of Fresh Group PhotoCapitol Reflecting Pool, U.S. Capitol Building

2:30 pm – 5:30 pm

March on Capitol Hill: U.S. House & Senate Congressional Meetings You are the Power of Fresh! Join the largest grassroots effort of the fresh produce industry as we March on Capitol Hill. This is your time to meet face-to-face with your elected officials and their staff to discuss critical issues to your business and share personal testimony of how actions taken in Washington directly affect you, your community and the produce industry overall.

For more information contact Angela Tiwari atiwari@unitedfresh.org or 202-303-3416.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

7:30 am – 10:00 am

Registration Open

8:00 am – 9:30 am

General Session Breakfast

9:45 am – 11:00 am

Education & Briefings

*Schedule subject to change.

Hotel & Travel

The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill is the event location for the United Fresh Washington Conference. The Hyatt is offering a discounted group rate of $299. We recommend securing your housing as soon as possible, the hotel deadline is Wednesday, August 23. Please click here to reserve your hotel room, or contact the hotel directly at 1-888-421-1442.

The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill is located 4.6 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Alternatively Dulles International Airport (IAD) is 27.6 miles and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is 31.7 respectively. A variety of ground transportation options are available at the airports.

March on Capitol Hill

U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Congressional Meetings Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Demand a solution to protect loyal farm workers from deportation and secure a new guest worker program!

Transform SNAP from a welfare program to a health and nutrition program with fruits and vegetables at the core!

Make sure tax “reform” doesn’t become a food tax to our consumers!

Advocate for trade negotiations that keep products flowing, with fair standards for all!

Ensure the Administration delivers on promises of regulatory reform!

Education

Rising Leaders Program

The Rising Leaders Program, held annually at the United Fresh Washington Conference is designed for produce industry up-and-comers who want to better understand the impact of public policy and the legislative process as it pertains to their business, the program is a must-attend. Participants in the Rising Leaders Program must register for the Washington Conference. There is no additional cost to attend the Program.

United FreshPAC Reception & Dinner

Kick off a spectacular evening while experiencing one of the best vantage points in the city, the Rooftop Terrace of Charlie Palmer Steak! Enjoy a wonderful evening of great food and fun as industry friends from across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain come together. Key Member of Congress will join more than 200 produce industry leaders who have committed to strengthen our industry’s voice by investing in FreshPAC.

The FreshPAC Reception and Dinner is a separately ticketed event. For more information about this special event, contact Angela Tiwari Director, Grassroots & Political Action at 202.303.3416 or atiwari@unitedfresh.org

Why should you support United FreshPAC? Click below to hear from Chairman Tony Freytag.

Family Business Scholarship Program

Advocate of the Year Award

United Fresh Produce Association is led by more than 450 individuals currently serving in elected or appointed positions of leadership. These volunteer leaders represent our member companies throughout the entire produce supply chain from farm to table. Attendees are welcome to observe market segment boards and expert policy council meetings.

Wednesday, September 19, 2017 | Volunteer Leadership Meetings

Noon – 5:30 p.m.

Board of Directors Meeting

Hear What People Are Saying

“It’s easy to think that policies set in Washington won’t impact our daily business, but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s definitely worth the time and financial investment to go to D.C. and take an active role in the industry’s future. If we don’t who will?” – Douglas Kling, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Village Farms International, Inc.

“We all attend a number of events throughout the year. However, the Washington Conference is the only platform in which we discuss policy in depth and can bring our message directly to members of Congress. We can express the critical nature of their vote and how their decisions directly impact the future of the fresh produce industry” – Jose Rossignoli, General Manager, Tropical Category, Robinson Fresh

“Federal legislation will have a major impact on all of us in the produce industry now and for years to come. We need to talk directly with our lawmakers and government officials to show them how federal policies affect our business.” – Ron Carkoski, President & CEO, Four Seasons Family of Companies

Sponsors

The United Fresh Washington Conference provides you and your company the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to advancing our industry’s interests. Your sponsorship will deliver a powerful message to more than 500 produce, retail and foodservice executives from our industry’s most prominent and influential companies, as well as numerous political leaders in Washington, DC. To learn more please contact Angela Tiwari at atiwari@unitedfresh.org or 202.303.3416. Click here to see this year’s opportunities.